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Whether you’re having the family over for the holidays or just some friends for a night of hot chocolate, Christmas music, and gift wrapping, this time of year is a wonderful time for entertaining! We love the idea of adding in elements into your home decor to give a little holiday touch, like replacing your usual pillows with some that are holiday patterned, or adding wreaths around the house to give your home a cheerful atmosphere.

A hot chocolate bar for guests is a great way to get family and friends in the holiday spirit, as well as treats topped with peppermint and festive holiday cocktails! If you’re having a casual get together, or a fancy holiday dinner, these extra touches are sure to inspire. Take a look at these photos for ideas for your holiday gathering!

Looking for a festive drink for an upcoming event? We had some fun trying our hand at mixing up a holiday season cocktail this week. This sparkling wine and Chianti recipe with hints of vanilla and a dash of fruitiness is perfect for this time of year. It’s incredibly easy to make and we couldn’t resist adding a little garnish for some extra charm!

Ingredients

1

Bartlett pear

3

Small apples

3

Fresh plums

¼ cup

Cane syrup

1 bunch

Rosemary sprigs

1 tablespoon

Vanilla

1 bottle

Chianti

1 bottle

Sparkling white wine, chilled

Cut pear lengthwise into ¼ inch slices, cutting from stem end through the bottom. Cut apples crosswise into ¼ inch slices, and cut the plums into wedges.

Stir together pear, apples, plums, cane syrup, 2 rosemary sprigs, and vanilla in a 3-quart glass container until the fruit is coated. Gradually stir in the Chianti. Cover and chill 8 to 24 hours.

Stir in sparkling wine just before serving. Serve over ice and garnish with rosemary sprigs if desired.

You can complete the look of your seasonal wedding ceremony with a wintery reception filled with seasonal greenery and candlelight that creates a warm and chic look to your big day. A winter wedding can be a magical setting for you and your spouse to celebrate your special day!

Give a romantic, cozy atmosphere with candles, blankets, and a hot chocolate bar that is sure to warm your guests’ hearts. And these cakes are absolutely gorgeous and will be sure to make a statement at your wedding! If you’re dreaming of a winter wedding, take a look at these photos for inspiration!

Winter is said to be the most romantic season of the year, so many couples choose to say their “I do’s” while there is a beautiful blanket of snow on the ground. From wintery greens to bold red florals, little details can create a big statement to create the perfect winter wedding.

Tweed suits and long-sleeved wedding dresses can add an element of romance and coziness to complement the theme of your big day and are great for taking those breathtaking photos out in the snow. We gathered a few of our favorite inspiration photos, so take a look for ideas for your winter ceremony!

Amanda and Andy had a weekend full of celebrating their big day! The couple started it off with a welcome reception the night before the wedding at The Reserve Ballroom in Neenah, WI. Guests enjoyed catering by Lombardino’s restaurant of Madison for the rehearsal dinner, which was followed by drinks and appetizers joined by out of town guests!

The beautiful couple were married at the groom’s family residence on the lake, and the couple was able to prepare for the big day in the home. As guests arrived on this beautiful day they were greeted by a cellist before they hopped aboard a trolley to take them down the road to the ceremony. Guests were then greeted with champagne and French horns which played throughout the ceremony, which was embellished with florals of Garden Laurels by Donna Sager out of the Madison area. Take a look at these photos from their unforgettable celebration!

We are excited to welcome Brooke to the CBE team as our new CBE intern!

Brooke Hatfield

Use 5 words to describe what your own wedding would be

soft, romantic, twinkling, natural, lively

What celebrity wedding would you have wanted to be an attendee at?

I would love to have been an attendee at Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan’s wedding. Not only were the venue and her dress beautiful, but also with how great of dancers the two are, I’m sure the reception was the party of the year!

What is your favorite wedding detail or trend?

My favorite wedding detail or trend is when the bridal party and guests set off floating lanterns at night. I think it is such a romantic, breathtaking moment that really brings everyone together!

What do you like to do when you’re not dreaming about beautiful weddings and events?

I love to stay active and enjoy being outdoors! I’m also a huge Badger fan, so I love to tailgate with friends and go to games at Camp Randall and the Kohl Center. I love to do any sort of DIY projects and also love to practice calligraphy in my free time.

Escort cards are placed on display at the entrance of your reception and include the names of your guests and the table you have assigned them to as well as their meal choice if applicable. They are a great way for guests to easily find their names as they are categorized in alphabetical order. This allows guests to choose their seats by placing their cards at the table. Escort cards can be a great opportunity to showcase your unique style during the first look into your reception!

Make your cards noteworthy by writing on something other than the usual cardstock, or by settling them into coffee grounds or pieces of wood surrounded by foliage. Adding details to your escort card design can express your personality and add to your guests’ experience which will not go unnoticed. Check out these photos for inspiration!